Welsh actor Owain Rhys Davies has died aged 44.
The star, who was best known for his role as Agent Wilson on the US drama Twin Peaks: The Return, passed away “suddenly” last week.
He also appeared in films like the 2016 fantasy Alice Through The Looking Glass, the 2017 Disney romantic-comedy The Relationtrip, and the 2019 horror Serial Killer’s Guide To Life.
His brother Rhodri shared the family’s “great shock” and said they have “unanswered questions” over his death.
“It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This news will come as a great shock to many. The reach of Owain’s love, friendship, and generosity was vast.”
He added: “While there are still questions that remain unanswered regarding the circumstances of his death, our understanding at this stage is that Owain passed suddenly, naturally, and peacefully.
“The outpouring of messages we have received over the past few days has been deeply moving and a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
“Owain was fortunate enough to have more than one family.
“Alongside his biological one, he built extraordinary, family-like bonds with many of his closest friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
“I am incredibly proud that, while he was my brother, he was also a brother to so many others.
“We know that this loss will be felt by a great many people, and we take comfort in knowing how loved he was.”
A slew of celebrities shared their heartbreak over Davies’ death.
Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt wrote: “No words seem to convey my emotions. I am so sorry for your loss and the grief you must be feeling.
“I am devastated to lose our beautiful friend, he was more than a friend, he was joy and life and talent and kindness and fun and intelligence.
“He was everything and my brain can’t compute that we don’t get to hug him again.
“What I would give for one more hug. You’re forever in our hearts cariad.”
Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon shared a selfie with Davies on Instagram and wrote: “Heartbreaking to hear that my beautiful friend has passed away.
“Owain was loved by so many. He lit up Every room he went into.
“I have some wonderful memories of us together, we go back so many years.. but our time together in LA will always make me smile.
“Sleep well my love. My heart goes out to his friends, and family Rhodri and Conway.”
Former Emmerdale and current Coronation Street star, Natalia Anderson sent her support to Davies’ brother and his father on Instagram.
She commented on Rhodri’s post: “Sending you and your Dad so much love and strength. Our beautiful, kind Owain.”
Irish actor Fra Fee added: “I join in on the mass love bomb for your bro - the unbelievably beautiful legendary Owain. He was and always will be a bloody LIGHT in our lives. He was so kind to me. I’m so grateful. Sending you and your family all the love man x”
Cardiff-born Davies was best known for playing FBI agent Wilson in David Lynch’s Golden Globe and Emmy nominated Showtime series, Twin Peaks, The Return.
He posted a behind-the-scenes photo with Lynch on his Instagram account in 2017, writing: “What a wondrously beautiful thrill ride it was working with this legend.
“Being welcomed in by the Twin Peaks family of cast and crew was truly an honour and can’t thank them enough for allowing me to be apart of this cinematic masterpiece. If you ever need to call on me you know what to do….WILSON!!!!”
He also had an impressive career in musical theatre, starring in Mamma Mia! and The Wizard of Oz on the West End.
Davies’ other television credits include the BBC drama The Indian Doctor, the drama My Dead Ex and Netflix sci-fi series, The OA .
